Endorsements vs. No Endorsements

Sometimes you feel like endorsing, sometimes you don't... Democrats have a strong slate of candidates, Republicans don't. Or maybe it's the just the opposite in the bizare world of Luzerne County politics. Luzerne County Democrats endorsed in local meaningful elections for the first time in years while Luzerne County Republicans took a play from the Dems 2003 playbook and opted not to endorse.
Republicans led by Lynette "Everyday is a holiday" Villano, led her troops to an open primary because she claims to have so many good candidates. So the truth must be she knows the Republican County Committee has no real power so why drag down strong commissioner candidates with baggage before the race even starts. Front runners would have to be Bill Jones of Mountaintop and Dave Shipula of Hanover Twp, both have grassroots experience and a network of friends with money. The other duo on the Republican side hoping to have a chance is Steve Urban and Art Bobbouine. The current commissioner is filled with so much disgust for every elected official teaming with the Top Dog Deputy Sheriff shows an ability to finally agree with someone. Don't expect the Republicans to make any other race interesting because if they just get a candidate for every row office that would be a victory or "Mission Accomplished".
Democrats decided to endorse the entire slate of candidates and did so unanimously. Led by Mark "I want to be Judge" Bufalino, 43 members endorsed the Top Dogs of the party. DA David Lupas seems to have a very easy contest if no one else enters the race for Judge. Tom O'Connor's decision to go local or statewide which will make it interesting. Instead of spending 750,000 dollars this time Lupas might just pull that much in without having to spend a penny. His challenger Tom Marsilio seems to still be off his rocker and will be sitting in a rocker watching the General Election at home. Jackie Musto Carroll looks to use her built in name ID to crush anyone aspiring to replace Lupas as District Attorney. With her family connections and a weak field for Judge, luck seems to be on her side. Vito DeLuca seems to be a nice guy, but a nice guy with no political legs can't stand in Luzerne County. Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla both got the nods for County Commissioner with no opposition. Hopefully Petrilla's first term goes better than Todd Vonderheid's. Unless someone dynamic and willing to spend 500k for a 40k a year job appears, county government should be unchanged for the next four years. Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly and Treasurer Mike Morreale both get a pass and get to continue serving until they want to step away. James "Red" O'Brien has decided to seek Recorder of Deeds and being the only Democratic candidate, he has a good start but we'll have to wait for the finish as this still appears to be a safe Republican seat. If he campaigns like he did for State Rep last year in the 118th, he might have a fighting chance. Dr. Jack Consalvo gets the endorsement over long time politician John Corcoran and jack of all trades Jim Desiderio. If everyone stays in the race and it looks like Dr. Jack needs some help expect the same attorney who whispered his name into Rendell's ear for the appointment to step in a offer generous financial support. The Battle for Sheriff will pin George "Nipper" Nowakowski who is running because he likes seeing his name every four years on a voting machine and newly endorsed candidate Mike Savokinas square off. If Savokinas can work the county and act like a sheriff he should be able to use the Primary much in the same fashion Ed Rendell did in 2002 during his successful first campaign for Governor against Bob Casey. Expect to see lots of donated Savo's Pizza on the campaign trail. Happy eating and feel free to add any comments and suggestions.